We cross the ditch to dig up the dirt on some significant infrastructure projects happening in New Zealand. As Auckland’s population grows by another million in the next few decades, additional motor lanes and other road upgrades will be a lifeline to the communities and industries dependent on infrastructure investment.

The Southern Motorway connects Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga. The New Zealand government has recognised the high volume of vehicle traffic travelling down this Southern Corridor per day, and has pledged over $100 million to upgrade the motorway.

Image Source: NZTA

The project will start in late 2015 and improvements will include:

One additional southbound lane between SH20 and Papakura

One additional northbound lane between Papaki Mura and Takanini

Takanini Interchange upgrade

Image Source: NZTA

Designs are still underway to include a walking and cycling path, decreasing the carbon footprint.

The completed upgrade will provide more efficient motorways and faster transport services:

More lanes to improve traffic flow

Improved journey time reliability on the Southern Motorway

Upgraded Takanini Interchange to provide easier and safer access to the motorway

Improved connections between the local roads and state highway network to ease congestion

Better connections for freight and public transport

Improved walking and cycling facilities to connect communities

Safer barriers and more efficient lighting

Improved noise walls, urban design and landscaping

Improved stormwater treatment options

Image Source: NZTA

A project as big as the Southern Corridor upgrade offers promising opportunities, not only to the surrounding communities but to companies within the construction industry.